The formation of the joint Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian brigade ("LITPOLUKRBRIG") was formalised on Nov 14th during a meeting of EU Defence Ministers. The brigade will be based in Lublin, Poland and is scheduled to be operational by 2011. This brigade marks an important moment in Polish-Russian relations as it aims at establishing a physical commitment to Ukrainian security.
Although the final outcome of the brigade’s future rests on the results of the Ukrainian Presidential elections in 2010, this move is significant in the fact that a brigade level unit will be the largest permanent military organisation created between Nato and non-Nato (former Soviet Republic) members. More importantly it will sent a sharp message to Moscow, who still consider the Ukraine to be firmly within it’s sphere of influence.
The working language of the brigade will be English and the brigade will be primarily available for peacekeeping duties within an EU, Nato or UN framework.
Poland is by far the dominant partner within the group and the housing of the brigade at Lublin advertises Poland's status as a military and security player on the global arena.
Why do you state that 'Poland is by far the dominant partner'?, just wondering your logic?
ReplyDeleteI agree that Russia still considers Ukraine to be within its sphere of influence, as it will be by default due to it's geographic location and fiscal strength. Russia has been fairly successful in it's strategic relationship with Belarus.
I hope Russia doesn't consider this action as sabre rattling. Poland could benefit from a stronger relationship with countries to it's east.
Anyway, good blog and some excellent writing, pleasure to read!
I refered to Poland as the dominant partner as militarily and economicaly they are in a better postion. For example "The Lithuanian Armed Forces consist of ~15,000 active personnel (~2,400 of them - civilian)[1] and are supported by 100,000 reserve forces." While the Ukraninan ecomomy is to be fair, knackered.
ReplyDeleteI refered to Poland as the dominant partner as militarily and economicaly they are in a better postion. For example "The Lithuanian Armed Forces consist of ~15,000 active personnel (~2,400 of them - civilian)[1] and are supported by 100,000 reserve forces." While the Ukraninan ecomomy is to be fair, knackered.
ReplyDeleteThe 17th Jan Ukrainian election proved inconclusive and so a second round will be held on Feb 7th 2010. The two contestors are Viktor Yanukovych and Yulia Tymoshenko. Tynoshenko is the current Prime Minister and assoiciated with the Orange Revolution of 2004, where as Yanukovych is the former President who was affectivley 'revolted' against in 2004.
ReplyDeleteWe wait and see ...